Dunfermline's Carnegie Harriers host several races throughout the year starting with the ever-popular Devilla Forest 5K and 15K races in mid-February for which entries have recently opened. But you'll need to be quick to secure a spot at either the 5K or 15K races as they invariably achieve sell-out status!

2024 will see the Devilla event take place on 11 February, with both distances starting and finishing within the grounds of the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan, Kincardine.

The Devilla Forest 15 follows a 'relatively flat' 15K anti-clockwise loop of Devilla Forest, taking in a mix of forest roads, paths and tracks. The route skirts three lochs and goes through a variety of sheltered woodland and open ground. The Devilla Forest 5 follows a similarly flattish 5K anti-clockwise loop predominantly on forest roads around the Moor Loch within Devilla Forest.

Organisers tell us that ground conditions can vary from 'boggy to hard-packed' and are suitable for ordinary trainers or trail shoes, but not spikes.

In 2023 there was double cause for celebration with course records in the 15K event being broken in both male and female categories courtesy of James Waldie in 51:59 and Rebecca Burns in 60:55. Course records for the 5K remain Kathryn Pennel's 18:22 achieved in 2012 and Michael Healy's 16:35 from 2018.

Speaking about the event, organisers told us: "We will have water and post-race snacks at the finish for runners and excellent prizes will be awarded in all age categories. Once again we have been very fortunate to have secured sponsorship from Run4It in Edinburgh and so all entrants to both races will receive a Run4It voucher.

"It is also worth noting that there is a Starbucks situated next to the registration area which will be open to all from 9am until 2pm."

If you'd like to know more, visit the Carnegie Harriers website.

Image: Carnegie Harriers Facebook